Which Cruise Line for First Cruise (Greek Isles)?

[sgtsmith]

I would like to take my husband on a birthday/anniversary trip to the Greek Isles. Although we have never been on a cruise, I thought it may be the best way to see the area. I am trying to figure out which cruise line or type of ship would be best. We are looking at fall of 2010. Can anyone help?

[TLCOhio]

I would like to take my husband on a birthday/anniversary trip to the Greek Isles. Although we have never been on a cruise, I thought it may be the best way to see the area. I am trying to figure out which cruise line or type of ship would be best. We are looking at fall of 2010. Can anyone help?

 

There have been some previous and recent posts on this question and subject. Look through some earlier threads below on this page and on the previous two or three pages. In part what's best for you depends on what budget range you have, what you like to see and do, your personal style for travel, etc. Some ships are more "mass" on larger boats. Some are on smaller ships that offer a different style (at a generally higher price) that can better reach some of the smaller islands. Some cruises also reach the interesting Turkish Coast and can finish in historic and exotic Istanbul. Lots of great options. Look through earlier posts and tell us more. You should also talk with a good, experienced travel agent who has traveled in Europe, including in this area.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[MercedMike]

I would like to take my husband on a birthday/anniversary trip to the Greek Isles. Although we have never been on a cruise, I thought it may be the best way to see the area. I am trying to figure out which cruise line or type of ship would be best. We are looking at fall of 2010. Can anyone help?

 

For very basic questions like this, absolutely the best advice I can give you is find a good local Travel Agent who is a CLIA Accredited Cruise Counselor (look for the agent's diploma on the wall, not just an agency sticker). Ask your friends and co-workers for a recommendation. The service is entirely free to you. ACC's are trained to find the very best cruise for you, after learning your personal situation and preferences, and work hard to get you the very best rate.

 

On this board, you can only get advice from a particular poster's few experiences. A full service travel agent has information and expertise about many different options and access to many cruise lines and destination specialists.

 

Once you have narrowed down your choices, this board is an excellent place to get personal opinions regarding the line and ports.

 

With the caveat that it is ONLY our experience, you can check out our reports and pictures at

http://www.elite.net/~thehalls/med.html

http://www.bully4.us/holyland.html

http://www.bully4.us/blacksea.html

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

[sunsetbeachgal]

Agree with previous posters answers-we have taken several Med cruises and have one coming up in September on Princess. I really can't speak for recent experiences on the other lines, but we loved Princess itinerary called Greek Isles-great variety of ports, many walkable off the ship. Princess has great itineraries and usually pretty competitive prices. Good luck-hope your trip is memorable, whatever you choose!

[dragon456]

We are taking our first European Cruise and I picked it especially because it overnites in Istanbul which I've heard from everybody is FABULOUS. Also goes to Mykonos, Athens, Santorini,Naples(Pompeii) Ephuesus...Oh and Rome..(or as close as it gets.)

..We are doing Barcelona 4 days before.. and If you've never been to Spain.. well I would also recommend you start there (we've been to spain but not barcelona..spainisawsome..!!

 

as far as cruise lines.. been on a few.. but itinerary is all the more important for a mediterranean!

[MrsMann]

We are doing the Greek Isles with Princess in May. Sounds fabulous & I will try to remember to post back & let you know how it was.

[jpver]

I would like to take my husband on a birthday/anniversary trip to the Greek Isles. Although we have never been on a cruise, I thought it may be the best way to see the area. I am trying to figure out which cruise line or type of ship would be best. We are looking at fall of 2010. Can anyone help?

 

Depends the size and the number of days. I prefer the 680 passenger type from Oceania. Great Programs, longer stay in port and top kitchen!

Have done last summer Istanbul - Rome with stops at Kusadasi (Ephese), Rhodes, Santorini, Delos, Mykonos, Piraeus(Athens), Amalfi (Italy) Olbia (only less good call), Monaco, Livorno.

If you take this or similar stay a few days in Istanbul!

There are also nice cruises from and to Venice.

 

Note that October is starting end of the season in the Mediterranean.

 

Very special is Windstar (only 168 passengers) giving chance to call smaller ports. But mostly they have only 7 day cruises. There you can add a few days at embarking / disembarking ports.

[CintiPam]

We took our first-ever cruise on Oceania's Nautica in September 2008 from Istanbul to Athens. Great service, port-intensive itineraries, good beds, great food, no set meal times or tables, country-club casual dress, nice fellow passengers.

 

We enjoyed Oceania so much that we cruised again in June from Athens to Rome and will complete our way west across the Mediterranean by cruising with Oceania again in late April from Venice to Barcelona.

 

Choosing great cities at each end of your cruise for extra time to explore really works at well for us former landlubbers.:)

[itsjb1]

I agree with all of the above. I would look at it as:

 

Itinerary

Size of ship

Your budget

Cruise line.

 

The first 3 will likely dictate what cruise line you go on.

[famousn]

We are booked on the Ruby Princess July 28th. This ship also has a sailing in September. I looked at all the itineraries and this cruise has the best Greek itinerary. Check it ou.